EA Health Research Journal

Ruptured Parasitic Dermoid Cyst in Blunt Abdominal Trauma

2024-08-13T21:14:07+00:00

Ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst is one of the rare conditions that results from auto-amputation and re-implantation following torsion from the ovary and omentum, among other sites. Due to trauma to the abdomen, it may rupture, resulting in spillage of its contents and causing chemical peritonitis. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation complimented by abdominal ultrasound in low resource settings. A case of a 44-year-old (Iraqw by tribe) who presented with clinical features of acute generalized abdominal pain and distension for two days following blunt abdominal trauma. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass of mixed echogenicity with intraperitoneal free fluid. She underwent laparotomy, revealing ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst adhered to the anterior abdominal wall and urinary bladder, then excised. The high degree of suspicion of ruptured parasitic dermoid cyst is justified in adult patient with chemical peritonitis manifestation. The laparotomy is surgical management of choice in low-resource settings followed by prolonged follow-up.

Coverage of Child Disability Detection, Management, and Rehabilitation Health Services in Central Uganda

2024-08-13T21:14:07+00:00

Background: Child disability is a significant public health concern which impacts 1 in 20 children. Children with disabilities (CwDs) encounter deprivation of rights, biases in society, and a lack of access to necessary services, all of which are exacerbated by structural obstacles. This study assessed the coverage of child disability prevention, management and rehabilitation services in four districts of Central Uganda after two years of interventions to improve these services.
Methods: The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) rapid health facility assessment method was employed to assess coverage of services based on sixteen indicators. The indicators were set based on constructs of: provision of disability-related services to CwDs; use of rehabilitation services; readiness of the health facilities (HFs) to provide basic disability management and rehabilitation services; community structures for linkage to disability management and rehabilitation services; psychosocial support provision; and upholding and protecting the rights of CwDs. A district-level decision rule was set based on 80% coverage target.
Results: Despite the interventions, the services have yet to provide the desired level of benefit to CwDs and their caregivers. Out of the sixteen indicators for healthcare service coverage for CwDs, only three attained the 80% coverage target.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that greater focus by health service planners and project implementers is still needed, especially at the community and health facility levels to enhance the prevention, management and rehabilitation of CwDs. Psychosocial

Feeding Behaviour and Nutritional Status among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months Old in Bahi District in Tanzania

2024-08-13T21:14:08+00:00

Background: The survival, well-being, and development of young children depend on optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. It is imperative to assess nutrition status and feeding behaviour practices in order to develop interventions. The objective of this study is to assess nutrition status, feeding behaviour, and its association with nutrition status among children aged 6 to 23 months old in Bahi district, Tanzania.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was employed. A multistage sampling technique was used. Bahi district council, wards, and village were randomly selected, and then a systematic random sampling method was used to select participants. Anthropometric measurements were used to determine the nutrition status of children. Process for the Promotion of Child Feeding (ProPAN) manual guided assessment of feeding behaviours associated with nutrition status. Z-score was used to determine the level of malnutrition; the chi-square test and logistic regression were used as descriptive and inferential statistical tests, respectively, to determine the association between nutrition status and feeding behaviour.
Results: Out of 395 children aged between 6 and 23 months, 62.8% were stunted, 25.3% were underweight, and 6.6% were wasted. In the multivariable analysis, the results reveal that stunting was significantly associated with perception of exclusive breastfeeding (number of months) (AOR 4.24, 95%CI: 2.012–8.284) and number of feeds per day (AOR 2.02, 95%CI: 1.00–6.314). With regard to perception of exclusive breastfeeding (number of months), the children whose mothers perceived that children supposed to be breastfed for more than six months were four times more likely to be not stunted compared to those who were perceived to be breastfed less than three months, and the children whose mothers’ fed them twice to three times were two times more likely to be not stunted compared to the children who were fed only two times.
Conclusion: Bahi district council has a higher prevalence rate of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children aged 6 to 23 months. Feeding on the first colostrum, exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding for more than six months are the main determinants of nutrition status.

Severity and Morphological Characteristics of Anaemia Among 6 to 59 Months Old Children in Temeke, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania: Clinics Based Cross Sectional Analysis

2024-08-13T21:14:08+00:00

Background: Anaemia is a global public health indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health. Besides, it stands as a silent signal of mal-aligned health system across the entire human lifespan. Globally, the importance of anaemia is most pronounced among children. This study was conceived to assess severity and morphological characteristics of anaemia among children aged from 6 to 59 months old in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: We designed a cross sectional, clinics-based analytical study. Children aged 6 to 59 months with anaemia were the target population. Severity and morphological characteristics of anaemia were the main outcome variables. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were summarised using median and inter-quartile range (continuous variables) or frequency and proportions (categorical variables). Chi-square tests were applied to assess association between categorical variables. Alpha level of 5% was used as a limit of type 1 error in findings. Written informed consent was sought from mother of each child prior to inclusion into the study.
Results: We successfully recruited and analysed 250 children. Participants median age was 17.5 (IQR: 9 - 34) months (females, n=112, 44.8%). Point prevalence of anaemia (Hb<12 g/dL) was 66.8%. Among anemic children (n=167), about 19%, 63% and 18% had mild, moderate and severe anaemia respectively. A direct linear association between MCV and MCHC was observed among anemic children (n=167, Spearman’s rank Ύ= 0.86, P=.000). There was a significant association between prevalence and severity of anaemia among studied children (LR χ2 (corrected) = 229.5, df=3). Majority (n=121, 72%) of the studied children had normocytic normochromic anaemia.
Conclusion: Majority of under-fives in attendance at outpatient clinics in Temeke were anemic. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was the most prevalent variant of anaemia in this study population.

Retrospective Analysis of Histopathological Reports of Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenomas in Tanzania

2024-08-13T21:14:08+00:00

Background: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor representing about 80% of all salivary gland tumors. Despite this, there is limited documentation of the demographic information and pattern of PA in Tanzania. This study retrospectively determines the demographic information and the pattern of presentation of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary gland among patients managed at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.
Methods: This was a retrospective study of histological results of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma diagnosed between 2016 and 2021. The information gathered included the age and sex of the patient and the anatomical location. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27 computer program.
Results: Out of 1824 reports of patients with oral and maxillofacial lesions retrieved from the archives of the department, 62 (3.4%) had the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands. The patients’ ages at diagnosis ranged from 7 to 72 years, with a mean age of 39.9 (SEM = 2.3) years. The male-to-female ratio of patients diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma was 1:1. There were 31 (50%) cases of pleomorphic adenomas affecting major salivary glands. The palatal minor salivary glands were the most (n=31, 50%) affected followed by the parotid gland (n=16, 25.8%).
Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenomas have no sex predilection, most of these lesions occur during the 3rd to 5th decade of life. The majority of pleomorphic adenomas occur in the palatal minor salivary glands.

Postoperative Complications and Factors Associated with Surgical Site Infection at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross-Sectional study

2024-08-13T21:14:08+00:00

Background: Postoperative complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality to surgical patients. Different complications are encountered in clinical practice, however surgical site infection (SSI) appears to be the most common. To date, limited published information is known pertaining to the patterns of postoperative complications and factors associated with SSI among patients operated on in other hospitals in Tanzania and referred to Muhimbili national hospital for further management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify patterns of postoperative complications and factors associated with SSI among the study participants.
Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at Muhimbili national hospital from August 2022 to January 2023, which included 181 patients. Obtained data was analysed using frequency tables, Pearson Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression model, at a level of significance of <0.05.
Results: One hundred eighty one (181) patients were included in this study, of whom 113(62.4%) were females; median age was 39 years. Cigarette smokers and alcohol consumers were 42(23.2%) and 90(49.7%) respectively. Diabetic patients were 8(4.4%), 35(19.3%) were HIV positive and 52(28.7%) had hypertension. Patients whose diagnosis was related to general surgery accounted for 50.2%, whereas 30.9% were obstetric cases. Patients who had undergone Caesarean section were 45(24.9%), whereas 20(11%) patients had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy. Bowel resection and primary anastomosis included 16(8.8%) patients and perforated peptic ulcer repair 8(4.4%) patients. Patients with infected peritoneal collection were 34(18.8%), postpartum haemorrhage 18(9.9%) and bowel perforation 10(5.5%). Patients who had undergone relaparotomy as part of treatment were 70(38.7%), whereas 30(16.6%) patients with SSIs were treated by serial wound dressing and 26(14.4%) patients were admitted and nursed in intensive care unit. None of the factors was found to have a statistically significant association with SSI.
Conclusions: There is a large proportion of patients suffering from postoperative complications after gastroenterology and obstetric surgeries; and of all complications encountered in this study; SSI was the most common contributing 52%, followed by gastrointestinal complications at 31%.

Predictors of Colorectal Resection and Primary Anastomosis outcome at Muhimbili National Hospital

2024-08-13T21:14:08+00:00

Background: Anastomotic leakage is among the most common complications after bowel resection and primary anastomosis, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. As a result it tends to affect the quality of life and increase burden to the patients and caretakers. This study focused on the assessment of the predictors and outcome of anastomotic leakage among patients who underwent large bowel surgery that involved resection and primary anastomosis.
Methodology: Hospital based prospective observational study at Muhimbili National Hospital. Data of the patients who underwent colorectal resection and primary anastomosis were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Consecutive recruitment sampling technique was applied to get the required sample size and followed for 30 days. Subjects’ information including age, sex, perioperative information was documented and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software.
Results: The study included 141 participants. Among those operated, 23 (16.3%) developed anastomotic leakage with a mortality rate of 30.4%. Predictors which were statistically significantly associated with anastomotic leakage were hypertension, body mass index > 30kg/m2, history of radiation therapy, female sex, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade III-IV score and peritonitis. Increased length of hospital stay, re-admission and re-operation rate together with high mortality are among the outcomes of anastomotic leakage found in this study. No loss to follow up event occurred.
Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage remains a considerable problem among patients undergoing large bowel surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital. From the study site, factors such as peritonitis, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, history of radiation, obesity, high ASA score (III-IV) and female sex were found to be independent predictors of anastomotic leakage. Optimization of co-morbidities conditions before surgery, choosing best surgical option such as creating temporary stoma versus primary anastomosis in dirty wound may help to reduce the rate of anastomotic leakage.

Scooping Review of Diabetes Research in Kenya from 2000 to 2020

2024-08-13T21:14:09+00:00

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise globally, with likely disproportionate increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, diabetes has been acknowledged as one of the top non-communicable diseases needing prevention and control. Research can contribute to diabetes prevention and control: however, the landscape of diabetes research in Kenya remains understudied.
Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar and ProQuest were searched for relevant articles. We included studies on humans, reporting on any type of diabetes, conducted in Kenya between 2000 to 2020.
Results: From the search, 983 records were retrieved out of which 102 met the study inclusion criteria. Most studies were facility based (71%) cross sectional (65%) and descriptive (71%) conducted in Nairobi (38%) between 2013-2020 (82%), focused on diabetes control, (71%) and funded by organisations/institutions from high income countries (73%).
Conclusion: Despite the recent increase in research outputs, there is still limited diabetes research being conducted in Kenya necessitating more research in the country and particularly outside Nairobi to inform prevention and control efforts. Specifically, more focus should be given to etiological and intervention studies (which use longitudinal and randomised controlled trial designs), community-based and public health research. Finally, increased local funding for diabetes research is required.

Factors Related to Client Satisfaction with Community Based Health Insurance Services During COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Uganda: A Mixed Methods Healthcare Facility Based Study

2024-08-13T21:14:09+00:00

Background: During the COVID-19 lockdowns, healthcare services were disrupted and community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes could not operate efficiently. This study assessed the level of client satisfaction with CBHI schemes, associated factors, and service provider perspectives in central Uganda.
Methods: This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods (quantitative - qualitative) study that was conducted between March and September 2021. In the first phase, a cross-sectional study among the 365 clients of the CBHI schemes who were aged ≥18 years old. The participants were recruited consecutively as they reported to the healthcare facility. Quantitative data were collected at patient exit using a piloted semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. In the second phase, qualitative data were collected through 11 key informant interviews. These data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess factors associated with client satisfaction and a p-value ≤0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered to be statistically significant.
Findings: Of the total number of participants, 38.9% (142/365) were “satisfied” with the CBHI services. Less satisfaction was associated with secondary level of education or above (adjPR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.85, P=.007); residing beyond 16 kilometers from the healthcare facility (adjPR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.41–0.95, P=.014); staying on the scheme for over 3 years (adjPR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51–0.99, P=.046); and good knowledge about the CBHI (adjPR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58–0.99, P=.040). Irregular availability of healthcare workers and long waiting time affected client satisfaction.
Conclusions: Satisfaction was considerably low during the lockdown. Lockdowns due to pandemics interrupt healthcare services and subsequently affect the satisfaction of CBHI clients with scheme services. Scheme managers need to identify facilities that are closer to enrolees and invest in technologies that reduce waiting time in the healthcare facility.
Key words: Client satisfaction, community-based health insurance, COVID-19, Uganda

Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study Among Residents of Jinja District Eastern Uganda

2024-08-13T21:14:09+00:00

Background: Despite the existence of other public health interventions, vaccination remains a cornerstone in the fight against pandemics. COVID-19 has led to loss of many lives, global economic deteriorations, and unemployment, hence the call for urgent interventions which includes introduction of COVID-19 vaccines.
Aim: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among residents of Jinja District, Eastern Uganda.
Method: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 participants from Jinja District between 8th and 21st October 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26.
Results: 45.2% of the participants had adequate level of knowledge with a 56.2% COVID-19 vaccine acceptability rate. Highly educated participants were most likely to have adequate knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine than the lowly educated ones (OR= 2.64; 95% CI; 1.32-5.26, P= .006). Having a high level of education (OR=2.7; 95% CI; 1.38-5.10, P= .004) was significantly associated with vaccine acceptability. Farmers and students were less likely to accept COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion: The general population of Jinja District demonstrated a low level of adequate knowledge and acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccine. There is need for more public awareness campaigns on the topic using radio and television as means of communication.

Predictors of HIV Knowledge., Perceived Stigma an.d Risk among Transport Workers in Mbarara City Southwestern Uganda

2024-08-13T21:14:09+00:00

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence among transport workers in sub-Saharan Africa remains high, estimated at as high as 9.9% in western Uganda compared with the national prevalence of 5.4%. The prevalence of HIV among transport workers has been partly attributed to the level of knowledge regarding HIV prevention, perceived HIV risk, and stigma. Accordingly, these have been linked to high-risk HIV transmission behaviours that increase the chances of acquiring HIV among adults. Therefore, this study investigated the predictors of HIV knowledge, perceived HIV risk, and stigma among transport workers in Mbarara city in southwestern Uganda.
Methods: The survey was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022 among transport workers (motorcycle taxi riders, motor vehicles taxi, and truck drivers), aged 18 to 55 years. Face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were conducted with the study’s participants. Chi-square and binary multivariate logistic regression statistics were used to assess the predictors of knowledge about HIV prevention, HIV perceived risk, and stigma.
Results: Out of 420 participants, 69.3%, 75.4%, and 62% had good knowledge of HIV prevention, a high perceived HIV risk, and stigma, respectively. Predictors of knowledge of HIV prevention comprised education level (AOR=2.28, 95% CI=1.36-3.84), knowing HIV status (AOR=0.47, 95% CI=0.27-0.81), and perceived HIV risk (AOR=3.04, 95% CI=1.74-5.32). Whereas the determinants of perceived HIV risk included education level (AOR=1.34, 95% CI=1.34-4.24), knowing HIV status (AOR=0.26, 95% CI=0.15-0.48), HIV knowledge (AOR=2.38, 95% CI=1.36-4.178), and perceived stigma (AOR=0.47, 95% CI=0.24-0.89). Last, the predictors of perceived HIV stigma included perceived HIV risk (AOR=0.41, 95% CI=0.21-.791), and knowledge of HIV prevention (AOR=0.29, 95% CI=0.16-0.54).
Conclusions: The study found a high proportion of participants with good knowledge about HIV prevention, a high HIV perceived risk, and HIV-related stigma. In addition, this study suggests that the level of education and awareness of one’s HIV status positively influences HIV knowledge and perceived risk. Whereas HIV-related stigma was in turn negatively influenced by the transport workers’ HIV knowledge and perceived risk. This calls for multifaceted approaches at individual, group (interpersonal), and community levels to reduce HIV stigma among this study group. Incorporating continuous health education programs about HIV and encouraging HIV testing among transport workers remains critical.

Characterisation of Tobacco Use and its Associated Factors Among Older Youths in an Urban Setting: The Case of Wakiso, Uganda

2024-08-13T21:14:09+00:00

Introduction: Tobacco smoking increases the risk of death from many diseases, including ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and other fatal and non-fatal diseases. Efforts have been invested towards cessation of tobacco smoking among youths aged 18-35 years. However, population-based data is limited on tobacco smoking in Wakiso district among youths. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with tobacco smoking among youths aged 18-35 years in Wakiso district Uganda.
Methods: Data from a Population-based survey in Wakiso district collected between October 2019 and September 2020 were used to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking and associated factors. A cross-sectional design was employed. This study used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between tobacco smoking and various factors among youths aged (18-35) years in Wakiso district Uganda.
Results: A total of 1,092 participants were enrolled of whom 631(57.8%) were females. The mean age was 25.8 (SD=4.8) years. A total of 35 (3.2 %) reported current tobacco smoking while 64(5.9%) ever used tobacco. The mean age at smoking initiation was 20.6 (SD= 5.3) years. In the multivariable analysis, age groups 25-29 years (aOR= 3.66, [95% CI: 1.15, 11.65]) and 30-35 years (aOR= 4.26, [95% CI; 1.32, 13.72]) were more likely to smoke compared to those under 25 years). Other positively associated factors included alcohol users (aOR= 4.86, [95% CI: 2.01, 11.74]), HIV positive status (aOR= 5.43, [95% CI: 1.86,15.86]), living with friends or relatives who smoke (aOR=9.93, [95% CI: 1.86,15.86]), and being male (aOR=4.50 [95% CI; 1.82, 11.13]).
Conclusion: Overall tobacco smoking among youths aged 18-35 years is low compared to national prevalence of 9%. However, the focus should be on males, older youths, alcohol users, and HIV-positive youths including those living with friends or relatives who smoke.

Factors Associated with the Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Among Adolescent Girls Aged 14 Old in Hai District of Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania

2024-08-13T21:14:10+00:00

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is a key primary prevention method against cervical cancer which is given to young girls before onset of sexual activity. In Tanzania, cervical cancer is the most frequent occurring cancer among women and is the leading cause of cancer mortality. The HPV Vaccination programme was rolled-out in Tanzania in 2018 for adolescent girls aged 9-14 years to receive two doses at a six-months interval, with an annual vaccine uptake of 46.1%. In 2019, the uptake of the HPV vaccine was only 64%, whereas the national coverage target is 75%. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in Hai district, Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to August 2020 among 14-year-old adolescent girls in four selected secondary schools, including two government-owned and two private-owned, within Hai district. Close-ended questionnaire interviews were conducted with the adolescent girls in the study and data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Odds ratio was used to assess the association between several factors and HPV vaccination.
Results: A total of 301 adolescent girls aged 14 years consented to the study. HPV vaccination uptake was 65%. More than three-fifths (n=119, 60.7%) reported having received the two required doses. Knowledge of HPV (OR 5.68; 95% CI, 0.72 to 44.96; P=.01) and HPV vaccine (OR 20.11; 95% CI, 10.88 to 37.99); P =.01) contributed significantly to HPV vaccine uptake among the adolescent girls in the study. More than one-third (n=105, 34.9%,) of the participants, were not vaccinated, the main reasons adduced for not being vaccinated include lack of proper information about the HPV vaccine (60.0%), fear of side effects (14%) and parental refusal (11%).
Conclusion: HPV vaccination uptake was 65%. Lack of proper information to both the children and parents about the safety of the vaccine hinders its uptake. More effort should be made for clear and comprehensible dissemination of information especially to the community stakeholders mainly parents, community and religious leaders, about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine in order to considerably increase vaccination coverage among adolescent girls. Likewise, involvement of healthcare workers and policymakers in educating people about cervical cancer prevention measures can ensure successful implementation of HPV vaccination. There is need to conduct an indepth qualitative study to explore further people’s perceptions and attitudes towards HPV.

Using Health Belief Model to Predict Hepatitis B Vaccination Uptake Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

2024-08-13T21:14:10+00:00

Background: Undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice have a higher risk of hepatitis B infection. The prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination (HBV vaccine) uptake among nursing students remained unknown. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with HBV vaccination among clinical nursing students.
Methodology: A sample of 229 undergraduate nursing students was enrolled in an analytical cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, status of vaccination, and beliefs about HBV infection and vaccination using domains of the health belief model (HBM) were collected in a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the participants’ characteristics and prevalence of HBV vaccination. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and domains of the HBM model and HBV vaccination uptake.
Results: The prevalence of vaccination uptake was 25.8%. Sociodemographic factors associated with uptake of the HBV vaccine included being female (P =.031), being a final-year student (P =.013), and having knowledge of HBV (P =.049). As for HBM, two domains, perceived benefit [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.86; P=.022] and self-efficacy (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.11; P=.016), were significantly associated with HBV vaccine uptake.
Conclusion: HBV vaccination uptake among undergraduate clinical nursing students was low. Clinical experience, knowledge, perceived benefit, and self-efficacy were positively associated with HBV vaccine uptake. Interventions to improve these domains among BSc Nursing students should be promoted to improve vaccination uptake.
Key words: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B vaccine; Health Belief Model; Nursing students

Protection of Rights of Knowledge Holders and Practitioners of Traditional Medicine in Tanzania

2024-08-26T15:45:25+00:00

Background: Lack or inadequate implementation and enforcement of legal frameworks for accessing and benefit sharing arising from the use of traditional and indigenous knowledge is associated with sub-optimal exploitation of traditional medicine knowledge and related research outputs in many African countries.
Objectives: This study assessed the practice of protecting the rights of holders of traditional medicine knowledge, and identified challenges in regulating, registering and protecting traditional medicine based services, processes and products in Tanzania.
Methods: Practice of protecting the rights of holders of traditional medicine knowledge in Tanzania was assessed through interviews with 12 knowledge holders and practitioners of traditional medicines, and 12 key informants from national regulatory authorities, and research and high learning institutions involved in traditional medicine research and development in Tanzania.
Results: Absence of frameworks for accessing and benefit sharing arising from the use of tradition medicine knowledge, mistrust and inadequate knowledge on procedures for protection of traditional medicine based intellectual property hampers the practice of protecting the rights of holders of traditional medicine knowledge in Tanzania. Costly and bureaucratic procedures are among the challenges encountered by knowledge holders and practitioners of tradition medicine in registration of their traditional medicine products and practices. Poor network relationship between holders of traditional medicine knowledge and research community slow down the progress of traditional medicine research and development. Lack of guidelines for regulation of traditional medicine research may be the result of overlapping roles of the National Institute for Medical Research and the Council of Traditional and Alternative Medicine
Conclusion: In Tanzania, the environment for protecting the rights of holders of traditional medicine knowledge is sub-optimal. To stimulate exploitation of traditional medicine for economic growth, there is a need to develop and implement national and institutional frameworks for accessing and benefit sharing arising from the use of traditional knowledge.